Author(s): Ahmet ATASOY, Emre ÖZŞAHİN
Province of Hatay is the 4th province in Turkey in terms of number of people (254) per square kilometer (2010) and the population of Hatay has increased about 85 % (1.217.853 individuals) in the 70 year period (11940-2010) since it first joined to the mainland in 1939. Some natural factors have been effective in the distribution of population which has grown in considerable ratio. The most important natural factor in this regard is altitude. The current study aims to present the distribution of population in Hatay according to altitude steps. In this context, settlements were first classified and the altitude level for each settlement was identified. Later population values for these settlements for the period between 1940-2010 were obtained from Turkish Statistics Institute and various population parameters were calculated. Topography maps of 1/25.000 scale were used as the main base maps in the study. These maps were processed with the help of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) software and working maps were created. Results of the study show an inverse relationship between altitude and population. It is observed that the increase in altitude results in decrease in population. Three distinctive separate population zones were identified according to altitude with very dense population levels between 0-200 m, medium level population density between 200-800 m and low level of population density between 800 m and higher. Population is observed to be denser in lower areas with 0-200 m altitude. This situation results from the fact that lower areas provide more advantageous conditions in terms of geographical potential. Many factors such as climatic conditions and agricultural opportunities limit settlements significantly in the other zones as a parallel to the increase in altitude levels. The distribution of population according to altitude in the province has shown a similar development since it first joined to the mainland in 1939. Agriculture, industry and service sectors have been effective in Hatay where population growth was investigated in three periods respectively: 1940-1970, 1970-2000 and 2000-2010. Results show that population across the province is denser in areas with lower altitude. This situation has caused uncertainties in the future of agriculture and food sector and resulted in some problems in the natural environment as well as increasing the risk for natural disasters. Therefore, a comprehensive and detailed population planning is required across the province.
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